SOCIALIZING PUPPIES TO SOUNDS
WHAT IS SOCIALIZATION?
Socialization is a critical learning period during puppy development. Between 3 weeks and 16 weeks of age is a window of opportunity for puppies to acclimate to the world around them. It’s important that while they are in that critical period, they get to see different types of people and environments so that they feel confident experiencing new things in adulthood.
WHY SOCIALIZE TO SOUNDS?
Noise sensitivity is a common problem for adult dogs, which is difficult to overcome. Socializing your puppy to sounds means you are thoughtfully introducing them to a variety of sounds while creating positive associations. Doing so can help prevent noise phobia and also builds your puppy’s confidence with novelty.
RULES OF SOCIALIZATION
Your puppy must feel safe! Play sounds at a low volume, such that your puppy remains relaxed. If your puppy needs to move away from the source of the noise, let them!
Only increase the intensity of sounds if your puppy is relaxed. Increasing intensity by increasing volume or proximity to the sound. Stop if your puppy shows any signs of stress.
Unfamiliar, loud or potentially scary sounds should always predict a treat. Give your puppy a treat after they hear the sound, not before.
Keep exposure to sounds brief. Play new sounds for 1-2 seconds at a time. In real life, spend only a few moments observing a new sound before moving on.
HOW TO DO IT!
Prepare a lot of high-value treats cut into small pieces.
Pick an unfamiliar sound. Choose from videos, items around your home, or a sound app on your phone or laptop.
Play the sound at a low volume for 1-2 seconds.
While the sound plays, offer a treat.
Repeat the above steps up to 5x. Then give your puppy a one-minute break.
If your puppy appears relaxed, repeat the above steps, playing the sound for longer intervals (3-4 seconds and so on). Continue to give breaks of 1+ minutes between repetitions.
End the game. On your next round at a later time, start at Step 1. This time, playing the sound at a higher volume than before. Your puppy should always remain relaxed.
Repeat these steps with a variety of different sounds.
What about sounds in everyday life?
If a sound occurs that you don’t have control over, feed your puppy high-value treats. If they seem scared of the sound, move your puppy away from the source, and continue to feed them treats. See if you can find a distance where your puppy feels comfortable. Once your puppy has calmed, make note of the sound that scared your puppy. Add a recording of that sound to your list of socialization to-dos.